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Hi I'm Cory

I am a mechanical engineer specializing in building energy efficiency. I am a husband and father. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

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I am a mechanical engineer specializing in HVAC and building energy efficiency. I believe we have a responsibility to help preserve our environment for the generations to come and am glad to contribute in a small way through my career. I have a loving wife and three wonderful children. I enjoy basketball, chess, singing, reading, and opera. I have a tractor and some land and enjoy spending time outdoors. I have a 1982 Oldsmobile Delta 88 that I hope to keep running for years to come. Most of all I love spending time with my family, and especially experiencing the joy of seeing these little children learn about life and experience new things every day.
I served as a missionary for two years in Mexico, and developed a great love for the people, culture, language, and food. I am an Eagle Scout and have volunteered as a leader in the Boy Scout organization in recent years.

Why I am a Mormon

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I was raised with the values and beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a key part of my home and family life. I was taught by good parents how to love my fellow man, and learned from their example of dedication and service. As a teenager my beliefs began to be challenged by friends and peers, causing me to do a great deal of reflection, study, and prayer. As I did so, my faith was strengthened and so was my desire to share the blessings the gospel of Jesus Christ had provided me. As a missionary, my faith was strengthened even more as I shared this message and gave my life fully to God and to serving others. Now I continue to strive to put God first in my life, despite the many other obligations that I must meet. I have learned through personal experience that we have a Father in Heaven who loves us, a Savior Jesus Christ who died for us and was resurrected, and the Holy Ghost who testifies to our hearts and minds of all truth. As I have read the Book of Mormon and prayed to know if it was true, the Holy Ghost has witnessed to me on many occassions that it is a true testament of Jesus Christ, another witness along with the Bible that Jesus is the Savior of all mankind, and that Heavenly Father loves all of HIs children. As I have studied the Bible I have also felt this witness of the Spirit and it has helped strengthen my faith in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and my belief that Joseph Smith, Jr. was a true prophet of God, a modern-day witness of Jesus Christ. Additionally, as I have listened to and continue to listen to the words of a living prophet and living Apostles, I feel the Holy Ghost witness to my soul that these men are living witnesses of Jesus Christ, and that He leads and guides His church through them. Finally, my belief and knowledge that through Jesus Christ and by His authority marriage and family can perpetuate beyond the grave fills my soul with joy and gives me an eternal perspective on life.

How I live my faith

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I have learned through experience that I am happiest not when pursuing my own selfish interests, but when serving those around me, be it family members, friends, neighbors, or strangers. I believe we are all children of Heavenly Father and are therefore one family, and that we should treat each other as such.
Being a Mormon has provided me numerous opportunities to serve those around me in the church and community. I have had the opportunity to work with youth in the Boy Scouts, as well as young adults in college. I have also enjoyed serving as a "home teacher." This is a program that allows each family in the church to be visited on a monthly basis. I am able to go with a companion each month and visit the homes of several assigned families, to inquire after their welfare, provide help where needed, and share a gospel message. I have developed strong friendships through this service, and have felt the love of the Savior on many occassions for these individuals and families. I believe this type of service helps me to remember Jesus' admonition to "love thy neighbor as thyself."
Jesus taught that "by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." I think the essence of faith is loving each other the way Christ loves us. I hope as I try to serve others that my love for all of God's children can continue to grow.

What is the First Vision?

Cory

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In the spring of 1820, a young farm boy in upstate New York named Joseph Smith, Jr. had a question that troubled him deeply. It was a time of great religious excitement, and the different religious groups in the region competed with each other for members, each claiming to be the true church and disparaging the other sects. Joseph felt a great desire and need to follow God's path, but was confused by the divergent voices beckoning him. After reading a passage in James 1:5 that says "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God...and it shall be given him," Joseph felt very deeply that he should take the matter to the Lord in prayer. He retired to a grove of trees near his father's farm, knelt down, and offered a prayer to God to determine which of all the churches was true. In response to this prayer, he saw a light brighter than all description descend upon him, and in the light two heavenly beings. One of them called him by name and said, pointing to the other: "This is my beloved Son, hear him."
In response to a humble prayer of faith inspired by his study of the Bible, a young boy of little worldly consequence was visited by God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. This marked the beginning of a chain of events that would eventually restore truths, authority, and church organization that had been lost for hundreds of years, and would prepare the world for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.Show moreShow less